Tennessee Technology Center at Newbern (TTCN)

Student Right to Know Information

Each year TTCN must provide a notice containing a list of consumer information to disseminate and the procedures for obtaining this information. This information is also posted on our website at www.ttcnewbern.edu.

 TTC Newbern’s Student Catalog/Handbook may be viewed on our website www.ttcnewbern.edu. If you have questions or need further information, please contact the Director, Assistant Director, or Student Services Coordinator at 731-627-2511.

 A Tennessee Board of Regents Institution

AA/ADA/EEO Training Institution

Accredited by Council on Occupational Education

7840 Roswell Road, Building 300 Suite 325

Atlanta, GA 30350

770-396-3898

800-917-2081

CAMPUS SECURITY ACT

 All students and employees are required to report any criminal offenses or activities, which occur, on campus to the Technology Center administration immediately for appropriate action.  The Center maintains statistical data regarding certain crimes committed on Center-controlled property.  The specific crime(s) and the number of incidences which occurred during the 2011 reporting year are as follows: two total incidents consisting of one larceny/theft, one destruction/damage/vandalism. Additional data is displayed on the Center’s bulletin board.  Questions or concerns regarding campus security matters may be directed to the Center’s Assistant Director.

Financial Aid Available to Students

 Financial Aid includes Grants (Title IV), Work Study, Interagency Funds, and Scholarships.  For more information on financial aid, please contact Student Services.

 Title IV Federal and State (TSAC) Student Assistance Programs

             Federal Pell Grants

            Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant

            Tennessee Student Assistance Award (TSAA)

            Wilder-Naifeh Technical Skills Grant

 Interagency Funds

            Vocational Rehabilitation Act Programs

Veterans Administration Programs

            Tennessee Opportunity Program for Seasonal Farmworkers (TOPS)

            Workforce Investment Act (WIA)

            Trade Readjustment Act (TRA)

FEDERAL PELL GRANT

 Federal Pell Grant helps undergraduates pay for their education after high school. For the Federal Pell Grant Program, an undergraduate is one who has not earned a bachelor’s or first professional degree. For many students, Federal Pell Grants provide a “foundation” of financial aid, to which aid from other federal and non-federal sources may be added. Unlike loans, grants do not have to be repaid (as long as satisfactory progress is maintained).  Students who withdraw prior to attending 60% of their scheduled hours may be required to repay their grants. 

 To determine if a student is eligible, the Department of Education uses a standard formula passed into law by Congress to evaluate the information reported on the student aid application.

 The formula produces an Expected Family Contribution (EFC) number. The Student Aid Report contains this number and will tell whether the student is eligible.

FEDERAL SUPPLEMENTAL EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY GRANT (FSEOG)

 To be eligible to receive FSEOG funds, students must show exceptional financial need and meet other general eligibility requirements for Title IV programs. Exceptionally needy students are those who have the lowest Expected Family Contribution (EFC) and are eligible to receive the Federal Pell Grant funds in the current award year. The FSEOGawards are restricted to undergraduate students only. Since students are admitted on an on-going basis throughout the year, the lowest EFC may mean the lowest EFC for the group of applicants whose aid is being packaged at the same time. The FSEOGis awarded based on the student’s EFC; the money will be awarded to students who have a “0” EFC and remaining need. The financial aid officer will then determine if there are enough funds to award to students who have a higher EFC. This will vary from year to year.

TENNESSEE STUDENT ASSISTANCE AWARD (TSAA)

 Students must be Pell eligible and a Tennessee resident in order to qualify for TSAA awards.  The Tennessee Student Assistance Corporation (TSAC) determines eligibility and awards. Students who attend on a part-time basis will have their TSAA prorated based on the amount of fees they pay. Students must be enrolled at least half-time. Less than half-time students do not qualify for TSAA.

 The maximum number of TSAA payments a student may receive is limited by their program type and length as follows:

 6-month program                                               2 TSAA payments

15-month or 1-year program                               3 TSAA payments

18-month or 2-year program                               6 TSAA payments

 Students may receive TSAA payments for only three terms in an academic year. Students must be enrolled at the time of certification.

TENNESSEE EDUCATION LOTTERY SCHOLARSHIP (TELS)- WILDER-NAIFEH TECHNICAL SKILLS GRANT

 The Wilder-Naifeh Technical Skills Grant (WNTSG) is part of the Tennessee Education Lottery Scholarship program (TELS). The WNTSG is a grant that is available only to Tennessee residents that attend a Tennessee Technology Center. This program became effective Fall 2004.

             Eligibility for Wilder-Naifeh Technical Skills Grant (WNTSG)

• Must be a Tennessee resident one year prior to March 1 for Spring Trimester, July 1 for Summer Trimester, or November 1 for Fall Trimester. State residency is determined using TBR promulgated rules; TBR Rules 0240-2-2.
   
• Must be a U.S. Citizen or permanent resident.
   
• Must be in compliance with Selective Service requirements.
   
• Must be in compliance with federal drug-free rules and laws for receiving financial aid.
   
• Must not be in default on a federal student loan.
   
• Must not owe a financial aid refund or overpayment.
   
• Must not be incarcerated.
   
• Must meet the enrollment requirements for both the school and the program. (Do not have to have a high school diploma or GED if not required for enrollment in the school or program.)
   
• Must be enrolled in a program leading to a certificate or diploma. Continuing education and supplemental certificate programs are not eligible.
   
• Must have never received the Tennessee HOPE scholarship or have completed a certificate or diploma program with the Wilder-Naifeh Technical Skills Grant.

 NOTE:Students may enroll as full-time or part-time. There is no income limit for eligibility. A student with a bachelor’s degree may be eligible to receive the WNTSG.

RETENTION OF WNTSG

• Must continue to meet all eligibility requirements as stated above.
   
• Must reapply each year using the FAFSA.
   
• Must maintain continuous enrollment (unless a leave of absence is granted).
   
• Must maintain satisfactory progress according to standards used for Title IV purposes. Students must meet grade and attendance requirements as well as the 150% time frame requirements. May receive the WNTSG for all course work required for completion of the certificate or diploma program.
   
• Maximum time frame of five years from first disbursement.

 NOTE:Once the student becomes ineligible for the WNTSG, the students shall not be eligible to regain the WNTSG.

 CALCULATION OF WNTSG AWARD

The maximum Wilder-Naifeh Technical Skills Grant award will be $2,000 per year. This amount is subject to availability of funds from the Tennessee Education Lottery Scholarship program. The WNTSG will be paid each term in the academic year. The amount of the award will be prorated based on the number of scheduled hours for the term.

REFUNDS

 If a WNTSG recipient fails to complete a term for any reason, the institution must determine if a refund is due to the Wilder-Naifeh Technical Skills Grant program.

 If the WNTSG recipient is also a Title IV funds recipient, the Return of Title IV funds calculation and federal regulations must be applied first. The institution refund policy for fees and books will be applied next.

 If the student owes a refund to WNTSG, the school will notify the student and TSAC of the student’s obligation to return the funds. The student will be ineligible to receive any additional funds administered by TSAC until the refund is paid.

 NOTE:  If a student withdraws before WNTSG funds have been disbursed, the student will not receive a WNTSG disbursement. There will be no post-withdrawal disbursements of WNTSG funds.

 Dual Enrollment Grant (High School Students only)

 The Dual Enrollment Grant program is defined as a grant for study a an eligible postsecondary institution that is funded from net proceeds of the state lottery and awarded to studnets who are attending high school and who are also enrolled in postsecondary institutions for which they will receive postsecondary credit.

 The Dual Enrollment Grant program is funded by the Tennessee Lottery and administered by the Tennessee Student Assistance Corporation.  This program provides opportunities for students to begin working toward a postsecondary degree, while still pursuing a high school diploma, and encourages postsecondary education and the acceleration of post-secondary attainment.

FEDERAL WORK-STUDY (FWS)

 Federal Work-Study (FWS) is a program that enables students to earn a portion of their educational expenses through part-time employment at the TTC-Newbern. Students receiving FWS will be paid at least the current federal minimum wage. Work schedules will be determined by the TTC-Newbern.

INTERAGENCY FUNDS AT TTC-NEWBERN

 Vocational Rehabilitation

 Eligible disabled students receive assistance depending upon the demonstrated need of the student. Eligibility should be established prior to enrollment.

 Veterans Administration Educational Benefits

The Tennessee Technology Center at Newbern is approved to provide training to veterans and dependents of veterans who have been determined eligible for these benefits. Appropriate forms to be completed can be obtained from the TTC-Newbern. In order to apply for benefits, veterans must submit their Form DD 214 and transcripts/certificates of previous education/training from colleges, technical or vocational schools, military, etc., to the VA designee. Paperwork will be processed and forwarded to the Veterans Administration.

 Workforce Investment Act – Department of Labor and Workforce Development

 Please see your local Career Center for more information.

 Dyer County Promise Scholarship

 Recent graduates from Dyer County High Schools (Dyer County, Dyersburg, an approved Tennessee home school program, or a qualified GED graduate) may apply for scholarship funds from the Dyer County Promise Scholarship Program Committee.

 Eligibility for Dyer County Promise Scholarship Funds:

1. Been a resident of Dyer County of the last three high school years.
    
2. Be a full-time (30 clock hours per week) student.
    
3. Enroll as a degree or certificate-seeking student in the semester immediately following high school graduation or passing the GED if scheduled to graduate with the most recent graduating class (excluding summer term); (as amended May 2009: GED graduates may receive Promise Scholarship funding for further study at Dyersburg State Community College or the Tennessee Technology Center at Newbern within one year of the attainment of their GED.)
    
4. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
    
5. See Financial Aid Coordinator at TTC Newbern for complete details on acquiring and retaining eligibility.

YEARLY APPLICATION PROCESS

 Students who wish to receive financial aid should submit an application and have a Student Aid Report (SAR) on file in the Financial Aid Office for each year. All aid recipients must be enrolled in a regular eligible program and have all eligibility requirements for aid completed prior to disbursement. Please note that some students applying for financial aid may be required to verify the information submitted on the aid application. Students must be prepared to submit income documents to the Financial Aid Office. All requested documents must be turned in within 90 days or a student may forfeit eligibility to receive federal aid.

APPLYING FOR FINANCIAL AID

 TTCN uses the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine a student’s eligibility for financial aid.  Students can fill out the FAFSA at www.fafsa.gov.  This application allows students to apply for all types of state (TSAA & WNTSG) and federal (Pell and FSEOG) programs. The information received provides the necessary documentation to establish the financial need of the student. Need is determined by subtracting the amount the needs analysis figures you or your parents can contribute from the cost of the school (School cost - Expected Family Contribution = Need).  In order to properly fill out the FAFSA, the student should have his/her previous year’s tax statement or his/ her parent’s if the student is a dependent.  If a student needs assistance with the FAFSA, s/he needs to contact Student Services and set up a time to fill out the FAFSA.

APPLICATION PROCESS

•  To apply for any of the aforementioned programs, the student must complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Application responses are returned after processing to the student usually within 4 to 6 weeks by mail or 7-10 days via the internet at www.fafsa.gov.
   
• The federal government establishes deadlines each year for submission of the FAFSA, and the deadline is outlined on the application. Additional deadlines may be established by individual programs. Monies for some programs are awarded on a first-come basis.
   
• The student will receive a Student Aid Report. TTCN will receive an electronic ISIR report of the same information.
   
• The central processors randomly choose students for a process called verification. If chosen, the student must supply signed copies of certain documents, such as tax returns, with all schedules and W-2 forms attached or end-of-the-year Social Security Income Statements. Verification Worksheets (available in the financial aid office) must also be submitted.
   
• When all processing and verification paperwork are complete, the student will receive an award notification.

  If, for any reason, the student changes the scheduled hours he/she will attend for the term, that term’s award may have to be recalculated. This could affect the timeliness of disbursement of funds.

DEADLINE DATES

 Students are encouraged to file the (FAFSA) federal student financial aid application as soon as possible after January 1 of each year.  Some financial aid funds (TSAA) are awarded to early applicants, and funds run out early each year. All students turning in a valid Student Aid Report to the school must be currently enrolled at that time or payments cannot be made. All Student Aid Reports turned in to the Financial Aid Office of the school must be turned in before the last day of classes for students during that school year.

STUDENT ELIGIBILITY FOR FINANCIAL AID

 In order to receive financial assistance from federal or state financial aid programs, a student must:

1. Have a high school diploma, GED®, or be beyond the age of compulsory school attendance in Tennessee and have the ability to benefit from the education or training offered. Students without an approved high school diploma or GED® must establish the Ability to Benefit from training by passing an independently administered examination approved by the Secretary of the U. S. Department of Education or by successfully completing 225 clock hours within a given program.

    NOTE:The Ability to Benefit exam is administered at Jackson State Community College.
    

2. Be enrolled as a regular student in an eligible program.
    
3. Be a U. S. citizen/national or an eligible non-citizen.
    
4. Show that he/she has a financial need.
    
5. Make satisfactory progress in accordance with policy.
    
6. Must not be in default on a Federal Perkins National Direct Student Loan, any Federal Family Education Loan program, income contingent loan, or a consolidated loan, and must sign a statement to that effect.
    
7. Students must not owe a refund to any federal or state financial aid agency.
    
8. Must have a signed statement or Federal confirmation statement including that he/she has registered with the Selective Service or that he/she is not required to register.
    
9. Must have signed a statement of educational purpose (saying that the student will use the money only for expenses related to attending the center).
    
10. Must have a signed statement of updated information (Student Aid Report).
     
11. Present the school with a current picture I.D. (driver license, under 21 identification card, or state identification card).
     
12. List any former post-secondary institutions attended.
     
13. Supply the Tennessee Technology Center with all verification documentation, if requested, within three months of the request by the school.
     
14. Must be in compliance with federal drug-free rules and laws for receiving financial aid. 

    15.   Re-file a new Free Application for Federal Student Aid each year.

STUDENT AID REPORT

 The Student Aid Report (SAR) or Institutional Student Information Record (ISIR) indicates the eligibility of the student for a Pell Grant and provides information for analyzing need so the aid package of the student can be determined.

VERIFICATION

 Some students will be selected for verification by the Title IV processor or by the school if discrepancies appear in the paperwork. Students being selected for verification may be asked to verify income, federal income tax paid, household size, independent or dependent status, number of family members enrolled at least part-time in post-secondary education, and certain untaxed income and benefits received. Other information and documents might also be required if deemed necessary by the Financial Aid Office.

APPLICANT RESPONSIBILITY

1.  Applicants selected for verification by the secretary are required to provide requested information or documentation in order to be eligible to receive Title IV student aid funds.
    
2. If a Federal Pell Grant or campus-based program applicant’s dependency status changes during the award year, or the original application was filed incorrectly, the applicant must make a correction reflecting the changed status unless the change results from a change in marital status.
    
3. Selected applicants must certify and/or update the household size and number in postsecondary education to reflect accurate data as of the date of verification.

 NOTE:Students not selected for verification cannot update household size or number in college. 

4. The applicant must return to Title IV any overpayment discovered during verification.

TIME PERIOD

1.  Applicants selected for verification either by the secretary or the institution must provide the requested information or documentation no later than: three (3) months from the date of the verification letter.
    
2. If the institution will grant an extension of time, the extension will be on individual basis and based on documented extenuating circumstances.

CONSEQUENCES FOR FAILURE TO PROVIDE DOCUMENTATION

 The institution will not disburse any Federal Pell, FSEOG funds, or Federal Work Study employment for applicants who fail to provide requested documentation within the time frame.

NOTIFICATION

1.  The institution will inform the applicant of verification procedures and requirements through written and/or verbal communications.
    
2. The institution will notify the applicant of the results of verification through written and/or verbal communications.
    
3. Corrections will be made for all errors found during the verification process.

AWARD LETTERS

 The Financial Aid Office at the TTCN will process students who apply for financial aid through FAFSA and receive a Student Aid Report (SAR) that shows the student eligible for financial aid. Once TTCN has received all of the student’s financial aid information, the student will receive an award letter listing all of the financial aid programs available to the student.

SATISFACTORY PROGRESS FOR FINANCIAL AID

 The following regulations apply to all students receiving federal or state financial aid: 

         A. To make satisfactory progress a student must:

             1. Maintain at least a cumulative “C” average (minimum passing grade)

             2. Complete 77% of cumulative scheduled hours (pace of completion)

 B. Satisfactory progress will be evaluated at the expected end of a student’s payment period.  If the student fails to make satisfactory progress, the student will be placed on financial aid warning for the next payment period.  If the student fails to make satisfactory progress for the next payment period, financial aid will be suspended.  There is no appeal process for financial aid satisfactory progress. 

 In order to reestablish financial aid, a student must make satisfactory academic progress at the next evaluation date. 

 C.         Transfer Credit – Students who receive credit for hours completed for previous education (other institutions, life experience, work credit, dual enrollment, etc.) will have their program length reduced.  These transfer hours will not be included in cumulative grade average or pace of completion.

 D.         Repeats (Repeating after program completion) – Any student who completes an entire clock hour program and later re-enrolls to take that same program again or to take another program may be paid for repeating coursework regardless of the amount of time between completion of the first program and beginning the same program or another program.

 E.         Withdrawals will not impact a student’s satisfactory academic progress unless they return after 180 days.

             Reentry within 180 days – A student who withdraws from a clock hour or credit hour non-term program and reenters within 180 days is considered to remain in the same payment period when he/she returns and, subject to conditions imposed by ED, is eligible to receive FSA funds for which he/she was eligible prior to withdrawal, including funds that were returned under R2T4 rules.

             Reentry after 180 days and transfer students – Generally, you must calculate new payment periods for a clock hour or credit hour non-term program for:

            *  A student who withdraws and then reenters the same program at the same institution after 180 days, or

             *  A student who withdraws from a program and then enrolls in a new program at the same institution, or at another institution within any time period.

CHANGE OF PROGRAM

 A student may make two (2) program changes and still be eligible to receive financial aid. At each program change, the student will establish a new time frame for completion of the program.  The instructor will determine the amount of prior credit and new time frame for completion. 

CHANGE OF STATUS

 A student may be allowed to change status from full-time to part-time during the term only when there are documented medical or personal reasons. Such medical or personal reasons shall include, but not be limited to, illness of the student, illness or death of an immediate family member, extreme financial hardship of the student or student’s immediate family, or other extraordinary circumstances beyond the student’s control where continued full-time attendance by the student creates a substantial hardship. 

 If approved, the amount of any financial aid award being received will be adjusted based on the revised scheduled hours for the term.  The institutional refund policy will be applied to determine if a refund is due.  In the event that a student’s request to change status is denied, the student has the right to appeal the decision.  A Change of Status form is available in the Student Services Office.

TRANSFER STUDENTS

 Transfers between TTC’s –

Students may transfer from one TTC to another TTC. A transfer student will retain their eligibility to receive WNTSG funds as long as they continue to meet all the eligibility requirements. This includes both continuous enrollment and satisfactory progress.

 Transfers between Programs at a TTC –

Students may transfer from one program to another at the same TTC and retain WNTSG eligibility as long as they maintain continuous enrollment and maintain satisfactory progress.

FINANCIAL AID FOR TRANSFER STUDENTS

 If a student transfers from one school to another, financial aid DOES NOT automatically transfer. The student must follow the procedures necessary to continue receiving aid at the new school.  A transfer student must see the Financial Aid Counselor to find out what programs are available and what steps must be taken.

 The Tennessee Technology Center at Newbern does NOT offer loans.

 Information about the school’s academic programs, costs, facilities, and policies

 TTC Newbern’s Student Handbook and Catalog can be read in its entirety at www.TTCNewbern.edu.

 The following programs are currently being offered at TTCN. Technology Center administration is constantly researching new programs to offer in our service delivery area and will be advertised to the public as they are approved by the Tennessee Board of Regents, Tennessee Higher Education Commission (THEC), and Council on Occupational Education (COE).

 Completion, Graduation, and Placement Rates

 DRUG ABUSE PREVENTION POLICY

TTCN’s Drug Abuse Prevention Policy addresses three major concerns:  1) the maintenance of an environment in which students can learn,  2) help for students whose development or performance is threatened by abuse of alcohol or drugs, and 3) the enforcement of policies and laws regarding possession or use of drugs or alcohol on campus.

It is the policy of the Center to prohibit the illegal use, abuse, manufacturing, possession, sale, or distribution of alcoholic beverages or any controlled substance, including any stimulant, depressant, narcotic, hallucinogenic drug or substance, or marijuana on Center-owned, controlled, or leased property.  Such use, sale or distribution is prohibited during any Center-related activity, including off-campus trips.  All students are subject to applicable federal, state and local laws related to this matter.  In addition, any violation of this policy will result in disciplinary actions as set forth in the Student Conduct Policy and Disciplinary Sanctions section of the Catalog/Handbook.  Students are also subject to arrest and prosecution by civil authorities for violation on campus.

Center personnel will seek to identify abuse problems and provide immediate intervention and assistance.  The Center will assist any individual whose mental or physical health is threatened by the use or abuse of alcohol or drugs.  The Center counselor can refer individuals to community resource centers for abuse counseling and rehabilitation.

Information regarding legal sanctions and health risks associated with alcohol and drug abuse is provided on the following pages.  A listing of resource centers for drug abuse is also provided in this section.

Drug-Free Workplace Policy and Campus– Pursuant to the “Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 [Public Law #100-690, 5151-5160] and the Drug Free Schools and Communities Act of 1989,” TTCN maintains a drug-free workplace and environment for students and employees.

It shall be unlawful under this Act to manufacture, distribute, dispense, possess, sell, or use a controlled substance at TTCN or any of its facilities.  Controlled substances, as cited in 21 USCA 812, would include drugs such as opium, opium derivatives, and hallucinogens (like marijuana, mescaline, peyote, LSD, Psilocybin, cocaine, amphetamines, codeine, heroin, or morphine).  Controlled substance abuse does not include prescribed use of lawfully prescribed drugs, which are being taken under a doctor’s care.

HealthRisks- A cursory description of the health risks associated with the use of alcohol and illicit drugs are as follows:

A.         Alcohol - Alcoholism is the most neglected health problem in the United States today.  It is a complex, progressive that interferes with health, social and economic functioning.  Untreated, alcoholism results in physical incapacity, permanent mental impairment and/or premature death.

Alcohol is involved in one-third of all suicides, one-half of all murders, one-half of all traffic deaths, and one-fourth of all other accidents, and it is involved in over 50 percent of all arrests.

Alcohol is the third leading cause of birth defects involving mental retardation.  Use during pregnancy may cause spontaneous abortion, various birth defects or fetal alcohol syndrome.

Drinking is implicated in cancer, health disease, liver disease, gastrointestinal disease, and other illnesses.  Alcoholism reduces life expectancy by twelve years.

Regular use of alcohol can damage all body organs, leading to liver, heart and digestive problems, circulatory system interference, personality disorders, reproductive problems, and central nervous system disorders such as poor vision, loss of coordination, memory loss, loss of sensation, mental/physical disturbances and permanent brain damage.  The physical and psychological changes that occur as a result of addiction to alcohol can pave the way for addiction to mood altering drugs.

B.         Other Drugs - Drugs are natural and synthetic chemical substances used to affect body processes, the mind, nervous system, behavior, and feelings.  Drugs, used without medical supervision, lead to many of the same health risks associated with alcohol abuse.  Specifically, however, the illicit use of drugs increases the risk of mental deterioration, death from overdose, physical and mental dependence or addiction, hepatitis and skin infections from needle use, hallucinations, unconsciousness, deep depression, distortion of time and space, permanent damage to lungs, brain, kidneys and liver, death from suffocation or choking, anemia, amnesia, AIDS, and other infections.

Legal Sanctions (Unlawful Possession or Distribution of Drugs and Alcohol- Various federal, state and local statutes make it unlawful to manufacture, distribute, dispense, deliver, sell, or possess with intent to manufacture, distribute, dispense, deliver, or sell controlled substances.  The penalty imposed depends upon many factors, which include the type and amount of controlled substance involved, the number of prior offenses, if any, whether death or serious bodily injury results from the use of such substance, and whether any other crimes were committed in connection with the use of such substance.  Possible maximum penalties for a first time violation include imprisonment for any period of time, up to a term of life imprisonment, a fine of up to 4 million dollars, supervised release, or any combination of the above.  These sanctions are doubled when the offense involves either of the following:

1. Distribution or possession at or near a school or college campus.

B.      Distribution to persons under 21 years of age (repeat offenders may be punished to a greater extent as provided by statutes).

Further a civil penalty of up to $10,000 may be assessed for simple possession of “personal use amounts” of certain specified substances under federal law.

Under state law, the offense of possession or casual exchange is punishable as a Class A misdemeanor; if there is an exchange between a minor and an adult at least two years the minor’s senior, and the adult knows that the person is a minor, the offense is classified as a felony, as provided in T.C.A. 39-17-417(21 U.S.C. 801, et. seq.; T.C.A. 39-17-417).

It is unlawful for any person under the age of twenty-one (21) to buy, possess, transport (unless in the course of his/her employment), or consume alcoholic beverages, wine or beer.  Such offenses are classified as Class A misdemeanors punishable by imprisonment for not more than 11 months and 29 days, or a fine of not more than $2,500, or both (T.C.A. 1-3-113, 57-5-301).  It further is an offense to provide alcoholic beverages to any person under the age of twenty-one (21).  Such an offense is classified as a Class A misdemeanor (T.C.A. 39-15-404).  The offense of public intoxication is a Class C misdemeanor and is punishable by imprisonment of not more than 30 days or a fine of not more than $50, or both (T.C.A.39-17-310).

Local Resource Centers

 PRIVACY RIGHTS ACT OF STUDENTS AND PARENTS, PUBLIC LAW 93-380

All student records are confidential in accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (Buckley Amendment), T.C.A. 15-305 and 20 V.S.C.--1232 g.  Confidential student information may not be disclosed without the written consent of the student.  Consent to release forms and information regarding disclosure procedures may be obtained from the Student Services Office.

Any student of the Center has the right to inspect, review, and/or obtain a copy of his/her educational records.  A student may review his/her file under the supervision of authorized Center officials.  A student must submit a written request to the Student Records Office in order to obtain a copy of his/her educational records.  The Student Records Office will have up to 45 days to comply with the student’s request. 

STUDENT NOTIFICATION OF RIGHTS (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)

Students of TTCN have legal rights under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, as well as the related regulations of the Department of Education.  This law, also referred to as the Buckley Amendment, and the regulations provide that:

A student has a right to inspect and review their education records by submitting a written request to the Student Records Clerk.  Within 30 days of the request, the Student Records Clerk will notify the student of the date and time when the records can be inspected.

A student may request that any record be amended if the student believes it is inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise in violation of privacy rights.  To request an amendment, the student must write the school official responsible for the record and clearly specify why it is inaccurate or misleading.  If the school decides not to amend the record, the student will be notified of his/her rights to a school hearing.  Additional information regarding hearing procedures will be provided to the student at that time.

TTCN will obtain the student’s written consent before disclosing personally identifiable information about the student from their records, unless the consent is not required by the law or the regulations.  One exception which permits disclosure without consent is disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational interests.  A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official is a person employed by TTCN in an administrative, supervisory, faculty or staff position; a person or company with whom the school has contracted services; a member of the school’s governing board, or a student serving in an official capacity, such as student review hearings.  Upon request, the school also discloses education records without consent to officials of another school in which a student seeks or intends to enroll, but will notify the student, if possible, of this request.

A student has the right to file a complaint with the U. S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by TTCN to comply with the requirements of FERPA.  The name and address of the office that administers FERPA is:

Family Policy Compliance Office

U. S. Department of Education

600 Independence Avenue, SW

Washington, DC  20202-4605

As a matter of policy, TTCN does not disclose directory information of any kind without the student’s consent.  “Directory information” means information contained in an education record of a student which would generally be considered harmful or an invasion of privacy if disclosed.  It includes such data as name, address, date of birth, telephone listing, course of study, dates of attendance, awards earned, etc.